Victoria’s New Convention Centre Opens A New Chapter For Business Events And Tourism

Victoria’s business events and tourism industry has received a significant boost with the official opening of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Located on Geelong’s waterfront, the new venue is set to attract conferences, exhibitions, corporate gatherings and major tourism events while creating new opportunities for businesses throughout Geelong and regional Victoria.

Officially opened by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), Nyaal Banyul arrives with considerable momentum. More than 80 events have already been secured, while more than 250 proposed events could bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Geelong in the coming years.

A Major Addition to Victoria’s Events Industry

Nyaal Banyul represents an important expansion of Victoria’s ability to host major business and tourism events outside central Melbourne.

The $449 million project is the largest convention and events centre in regional Victoria. Its facilities include a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition areas, conference and meeting rooms, flexible event spaces, food and beverage facilities and a public outdoor plaza. The venue also incorporates approximately 3,700 square metres of flexible event space.

Operated by VCET, which also operates the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Nyaal Banyul benefits from decades of experience in the business events industry. This connection also strengthens the relationship between Melbourne and Geelong as complementary destinations for conferences and corporate events.

For organisations planning national meetings, industry conferences and large-scale events, the development creates another option within easy reach of Melbourne while encouraging visitors to explore more of regional Victoria.

Celebrating Geelong and Wadawurrung Culture

The venue has been designed to be more than simply a conference facility. Nyaal Banyul was developed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, with cultural narratives incorporated throughout the architecture, public areas and overall visitor experience.

This approach gives the centre a strong connection to its location and provides interstate and international visitors with an introduction to the cultural significance of the region.

Its waterfront position also places delegates close to Geelong’s dining, tourism and entertainment attractions, while providing convenient access to destinations including the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.

Australian Tourism Awards Coming in 2027

One of the most important events already scheduled for Nyaal Banyul is the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at the venue in 2027.

Hosting the awards will place Geelong in the national tourism spotlight, bringing tourism operators, industry leaders and representatives from across Australia to the city.

It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the new convention centre and the wider region to influential members of Australia’s tourism industry. Many delegates may be experiencing Geelong for the first time, potentially encouraging return visits and greater awareness of the region as both a leisure and business destination.

Supporting Jobs and the Local Economy

The economic benefits of Nyaal Banyul extend well beyond the convention centre itself.

The majority of the venue’s workforce has been drawn from the Barwon South West region, while more than 50 regional businesses have been engaged across areas including catering, operations and services. The Victorian Government has also indicated that the venue will employ more than 240 people in Geelong.

Earlier projections for confirmed events indicated millions of dollars in additional economic activity through delegate spending on accommodation, restaurants, retail and local attractions.

These benefits demonstrate why business events can be so valuable to destinations. Unlike some day visitors, conference delegates frequently require overnight accommodation, meals, transportation and other services throughout their stay.

Growing Demand for Flexible Accommodation

The continued expansion of Victoria’s events calendar also highlights the importance of having a diverse accommodation market.

Major conferences and events can generate demand not only in their host city but across surrounding destinations and Melbourne itself. Corporate representatives may combine meetings in Melbourne with events in Geelong, while interstate visitors may extend their trip to explore other parts of Victoria.

Serviced and fully furnished apartments can be particularly suitable for corporate travellers, event organisers and professionals staying for longer periods. Features such as separate living spaces, kitchens and laundry facilities allow guests to maintain a more comfortable routine than may be possible with conventional short-term accommodation.

Strengthening Victoria’s Visitor Economy

Nyaal Banyul’s opening comes at an important time for Victoria’s business events industry. In 2024, business events attracted approximately 4.8 million visitors to Victoria and generated more than $4.3 billion in spending, according to the Victorian Government.

Adding a major regional venue provides an opportunity to distribute more of that economic activity beyond Melbourne while strengthening Victoria’s overall appeal as an events destination.

The benefits can extend across accommodation, hospitality, transportation, retail and tourism businesses, particularly when delegates extend their stay or incorporate leisure activities into their business trip.

A New Destination for Business Events

With more than 80 events already secured and hundreds more proposed, Nyaal Banyul has begun its journey with a strong pipeline.

Its opening represents more than the arrival of a new building. It creates opportunities for Geelong businesses, expands Victoria’s event-hosting capabilities and gives visitors another reason to experience regional Victoria.

As major conferences and events continue to attract interstate and international visitors, demand for convenient and flexible travel accommodation in Geelong and surrounding destinations is also likely to remain an important part of the visitor economy.

With the Australian Tourism Awards set to bring national attention to Geelong in 2027, Nyaal Banyul is well positioned to become an important part of Victoria’s growing business events and tourism landscape.